Area prepares for Hurricane Sandy

Prolonged periods of wind and rain are expected as Hurricane Sandy passes by the North Carolina coast, sparking preparations for weekend of severe weather.

JANNETTE PIPPIN - Daily News Staff

Prolonged periods of wind and rain are expected as Hurricane Sandy passes by the North Carolina coast, sparking preparations for weekend of severe weather.

While Friday’s forecast kept the center of the hurricane offshore, Sandy’s reach is wide and rainfall of 4 to 6 inches is expected in the area, with some locations seeing more, said meteorologist Andrew McKaughan of the National Weather Service office in Newport.

The rain is expected to start early Saturday and continue through Sunday and into Monday for coastal areas.

There will also be prolonged winds of 30 to 40 mph in many areas, with gusts of 50 to 60 mph or higher in some areas.

There is also the threat of moderate coastal flooding, rough surf and over wash Saturday night into Monday.

“People need to take the storm seriously. It could have significant impacts,” McKaughan said.

No evacuation plans were anticipated but a shelter will open at 6 p.m. Saturday at Atlantic Elementary School in the Down East area of Carteret County, according to the county emergency services office.

Sound-side flooding of 3 to 5 feet above ground level is anticipated along southern Pamlico Sound and the lower Neuse River Saturday night into Sunday, and on the sound-side of the Outer Banks Sunday into Monday.

Carteret County emergency management urged residents, particularly those living in oceanfront areas, the Down East area or locations prone to flooding to take precautions.

Residents throughout the area are urged to secure outdoor furnishings, trash cans and loose items that can blow around and to have adequate supplies in the event that you loose power.

The prolonged rainfall may also cause flooding in low lying and poor drainage areas.

Jacksonville Police Department recommended caution on the roads and reminds motorists to take steps such as using headlights and reducing speed.

Heavy surf and dangerous rip currents are also a threat. The National Weather Service also said breaking waves will increase to 8 to 12 feet by Saturday and likely cause beach erosion and make swimming dangerous.

The Coast Guard urged mariners to stay off the water as storm conditions can hamper or delay search and rescue capabilities. Mariners are also reminded that during strong storms drawbridges are authorized to stay closed upon the approach of gale force or higher winds.

Based on the Friday forecast, Camp Lejeune did not anticipate an elevation in Tropical Cyclone Condition or the activation of the base emergency operation center for this storm but recommended precautions to protect against damage or injury from high winds, flying debris and potential flooding.

The local Red Cross is also monitoring and has volunteers and shelter locations on alerts if needed.

“Local chapters are reviewing plans and personnel to ensure that the Red Cross is prepared locally,” said Joy Branham, chief executive officer for the Coastal Carolina and Onslow area. “In addition, we are recruiting Red Cross volunteers who are able to deploy to other areas of the East Coast should they be needed.”

Gov. Beverly Perdue declared a state of emergency Friday for 33 counties in Eastern North Carolina ahead of Sandy, including Carteret, Duplin, Jones and Onslow.

A statement from Perdue’s office on Friday said residents shouldn’t be fooled by the storm weakening to Category 1 status. She said people need to take Sandy seriously and be prepared.

Perdue’s proclamation authorizes additional state resources to assist county and municipal governments. It also gives the governor expanded powers to respond to the storm’s impact.